The second half of Matthew Stafford’s career is looking up.

During his acceptance speech, the 2025 MVP announced that he will be playing next season. He finally cleared doubts around his return, but his victory is heavily contested among NFL fans.

On Friday, during the NFL Honors night, the Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback was awarded his first-ever MVP award after being drafted in 2009.

On stage, he thanked his daughters for supporting their support from the sidelines and added he is looking forward to the next season. 

“I am so happy to have you in the game on the sidelines with me. And I can’t for you to cheer me on next year. So, I’ll see you guys next year. Hopefully, I’m not at this event, and we’re getting ready for another game,” Stafford said. 

While the audience cheered for him, fans of other nominees were displeased with the results. Apart from Stafford, four other players were up for the award: Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Josh Allen, who was the last MVP, Christian McCaffery of the San Francisco 49ers, and Drake Maye of the New England Patriots.

But for some, Stafford’s 46 touchdowns and only eight interceptions for 4,707 yards are insufficient. Moreover, this is Stafford's second Super Bowl campaign in a decade.

Some Fans Claimed That Stafford Robbed Their Favorite of the Award

“Can’t believe you robbed me of my MVP,” one X user wrote. 

Another claimed that the awards lacked integrity and said that both Stafford and Allen were undeserving of the award. 

“Yeah its rigged but stat padfords lifetime achievement award was inevitable back to back mickey mouse MVP’s,” the comment read.

It was followed by another fan who opined that Stafford is returning with the Rams to lose again.

“Coming back to loose lol.” On January 26, the Rams lost 27-31 and ended second in the NFC West. With that game, they also lost the opportunity to compete with Drake Maye and the Patriots for the Lombardi Trophy.

Maye, only 23 years old, is leading his franchise against the Seahawks and is worthy of the award, according to some. One Maye fan stated his feats and ranted against this ‘snub.’

“So he’s coming back, and they give him mvp over Drake? The fact Drake is on his 2nd OC and HC in his 2nd year. New players, new playbook. Doesn’t have a Pukka or Adams to throw to. And was 1st in QBR broke the record 77%. 4th in yards 3rd in TD. And doesn’t win OPOY or MVP,” the comment said.

But amidst the backlash, many fans have expressed their happiness for Stafford and his decision. What do you think of his career trajectory?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu